FROM Tyneside to the Big Apple, budding lawyer Laura Kirkpatrick has been learning the tricks of the trade at one of America’s top universities.

FROM Tyneside to the Big Apple, budding lawyer Laura Kirkpatrick has been learning the tricks of the trade at one of America’s top universities.

The 22-year-old Tyneside student fought off fierce competition for a 3,340-mile trip to the States for a four-work placement at a law clinic.

And the Northumbria University third-year student, who attended the City University New York Law School (CUNY), sampled the city that never sleeps by visiting the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.

She said: “Attending CUNY was truly inspirational. The main clinic I took part in was community economic development, where I attended seminars with around 20 students largely based on group discussions and presentations from outside specialists.

“I also took part in mediation clinics which were extremely interesting because I was lucky enough to attend a civil night court in Jamaica Queens to watch how the mediation process took place.

“The students and staff were incredible people and helped me make the most of my time in New York.”

She added: “I had the best four weeks of my life in New York and got the opportunity to see the sights. I got a feel for the culture of the city and loved the buzzing Manhattan atmosphere in particular.

“I will always be grateful to Irwin Mitchell for this opportunity and hope it inspires other students to work hard and strive for a scholarship place in future.”

Laura, who took part in two CUNY law clinics, seminars and lectures during her stay, was selected from dozens of her peers to take part in the work placement at the university, which is one of the premier human rights law school in the Big Apple.

It came after she achieved top grades at university and impressing law firm Irwin Mitchell staff during her interview.

The scholarship has been sponsored by Irwin Mitchell to help nurture budding young legal professionals from Northumbria University.

Angela Kirtley, a partner in the medical law team at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said: “We really believe in nurturing budding lawyers and legal professionals at Irwin Mitchell and the scholarship scheme is a great way for us to build on our relationship with one of the best universities in the North East and to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for top students to work in an inspiring environment and learn new skills.

“This experience will be something Laura remembers for the rest of her life and I’m sure the American students and teachers who met her were really interested to learn more from her about the British legal system too.”

Victoria Murray, course leader at Northumbria University, said: “Laura has been a great ambassador for Northumbria’s School of Law.

“She has undertaken her placement with enthusiasm and taken full advantage of the numerous opportunities it offered.

“The Law School is immensely grateful to Irwin Mitchell for its continued support and sponsorship of the scholarship. We are proud of the Law School’s strong links with Irwin Mitchell and CUNY and hope future students can continue to benefit from this fantastic scholarship.”